U. S. Scott #1240 - Used - [LA01-0081-01-02]

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

1240

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

75 (F/VF)

Year of Issue

1963

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #1240 (Unused – Single Stamp)
5¢ Blue – Christmas Tree, 1963
(Christmas Issue – Engraved, Perforation 11)

Design Overview:
Scott #1240 was issued in 1963 as the United States Christmas commemorative, depicting the National Christmas Tree displayed near the White House. The engraved design shows a tall, illuminated evergreen crowned with a star against a winter evening sky, with the White House visible in the background at left. The inscription “CHRISTMAS 1963” appears prominently at upper left, while “UNITED STATES” and the denomination are positioned along the lower margin. The engraving emphasizes texture and depth through fine line work in the tree and sky. The submitted example is unused, has original gum, and has been hinged.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering is assigned a grade of 79 (Fine/Very Fine). All perforation holes are clearly clear of the design when viewed with the unaided eye, meeting the Fine/Very Fine definition under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. Margin balance is uneven. The right margin is the most narrow and controls the centering grade. The top margin is the least narrow, while the bottom margin is more narrow than the left. This configuration results in a noticeable but acceptable imbalance consistent with Fine/Very Fine centering.

Soundness Evaluation:
Faultless.
The stamp is completely sound, with no tears, thins, pinholes, creases, stains, or repairs observed. Original gum is present. Under the PSE Guide, the stamp qualifies as faultless and receives no soundness deduction.

Perforations and Margins:
The stamp is perforated 11. Perforations are original, intact, and evenly formed on all sides, with no evidence of trimming, reperforation, pulled perforations, or missing teeth. Margins are present on all four sides, with the right margin being the narrowest and the top margin the widest.

Cancellation Evaluation:
Not applicable. The stamp is unused.

Collector’s Note:
Scott #1240 is a widely collected early U.S. Christmas issue, and faultless examples with original gum remain desirable despite modest centering limitations.

Eye Appeal Adjustment:
Color is fresh and even, with a clean engraved impression and good paper quality. The design remains crisp and well defined. No eye appeal adjustment is applied.

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction: –0 (Faultless)
Adjusted Base Grade: 79
Eye Appeal Adjustment: 0
Final Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 1240
Condition: Unused, Hinged, Original Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Faultless, no deduction
Perforations: Perf 11, intact and original
Cancellation: Not applicable
Eye Appeal: No adjustment
Final Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)

Summary:
This Scott #1240 grades Fine/Very Fine 79 under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide. It combines faultless soundness with clear, well-separated design elements and acceptable Fine/Very Fine centering. While the right margin limits the centering grade, the stamp remains an attractive and collectible example of the 1963 U.S. Christmas issue.

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (1021)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

Feedback

100%

Store

Jamison Stamps & Books

Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

Public Questions